Limelight

Limelight

Year: 2011

Runtime: 101 min

Language: English

Director: Billy Corben

Documentary

In 1980s Manhattan, Peter Gatien ruled the nightlife scene with iconic clubs Limelight, Tunnel, Palladium, and Club USA, attracting tens of thousands per night. As a Canadian entrepreneur, he became a symbol of an era's excess and rebellion. But his empire crumbled under Giuliani's anti-club crusade, leading to a bitter battle and eventual exile – leaving behind a legacy that still pulses through the city's underground heart.

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Timeline & Setting – Limelight (2011)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Limelight (2011). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1980s - 1990s

The 1980s and 1990s were pivotal decades in New York's cultural history, marked by an explosive nightlife scene and a burgeoning arts movement. This period also saw a significant crackdown on nightlife, spearheaded by city officials like Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, who sought to regulate and control alcohol consumption and club activities.

Location

New York City

New York City is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, hosting iconic venues that attract countless party-goers. During the 1980s and 1990s, it became the epicenter of cultural movements, with nightclubs like The Limelight and Palladium becoming hotspots for music and creativity.

🌆 City 🎉 Nightlife

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:06

Main Characters – Limelight (2011)
Meet the key characters of Limelight (2011), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Peter Gatien

Peter Gatien was a determined entrepreneur known for his iconic nightclubs in New York City. With a distinctive eye patch and a larger-than-life persona, he was instrumental in shaping the city's nightlife during the peak of his career. However, his fall from grace due to legal troubles paints a complex picture of ambition and the risks associated with power.

👔 Businessman 🎶 Nightlife 📉 Controversial

Jen Gatien

Jen Gatien is the daughter of Peter Gatien and played a crucial role in producing the documentary. Her connection to her father's legacy provides a personal lens through which the narrative is explored, shedding light on the impact of his lifestyle on family dynamics and personal identity.

👧 Family 🎬 Producer 💔 Personal

Alfred Spellman

Alfred Spellman is a co-producer of the documentary, known for his work on various insightful projects. His contributions play a significant role in capturing the intricate details of the nightlife scene and the societal implications surrounding Gatien's journey.

🎥 Filmmaker 💡 Creative 📚 Storyteller

Billy Corben

Billy Corben, the director of the documentary, is known for his skill in storytelling through a documentary lens. His previous work on *Cocaine Cowboys* showcases his ability to delve into the complexities of subjects, making him a fitting choice to narrate Gatien's rise and fall.

🎬 Director 🎞️ Storyteller 🔍 Investigative

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:06

Major Themes – Limelight (2011)
Explore the central themes of Limelight (2011), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👑 Power and Influence

The story of Peter Gatien exemplifies the delicate balance of power and influence within nightlife culture. His rise as the king of New York City's clubs illustrates how charisma and savvy can lead to monumental success, but also exposes the vulnerabilities that come with such power.

⚖️ Legal Struggles

The legal battles faced by Gatien highlight the intersection of creativity and law enforcement during this era. His challenges with authorities reflect the broader societal tensions regarding nightlife and its regulation, showcasing how laws can impact personal and professional lives.

🌪️ Cultural Shift

The documentary captures the transformation of nightlife culture as it navigated the pressures of legality and societal expectations. Gatien's story serves as a representation of how cultural phenomena can rise and fall, driven by societal changes and external pressures.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:06

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